School Emergency Plans for Students with Disabilities
Students getting into a safety cover position during a tornado drill.
Student seeking shelter during an earthquake drill.
Students evacuating during a fire drill.
What are the issues?
There are 7.5 million students with disabilities in our country’s public school system. Yet, 6.3 million of these students live in states where schools are not required to prepare individualized emergency and/or evacuation plans that address the needs of the disabled.
Niamh’s Story
Niamh Winright, who has autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis, was put at risk when a gunman entered her school in St.Louis, Missouri. As students took cover, Niamh’s cane was knocked out of her reach, leaving her without her required mobility aid. When Niamh finally exited the classroom, police officers drew guns on her because she didn’t raise her hands in the air.
Due to her disability, it is difficult for Niamh to raise her arms or move without her cane, which was left behind in the chaos of the evacuation. This situation has left Niamh scarred. For more information, please read the CBS News article.
API’s Impact
Our model bill encourages states to require all of their school districts to create individualized emergency plans for students with disabilities. Protocols must be established among school board officials, special education teachers, students with disabilities, parents, and local first responders. If we are not protecting our children and ensuring they are not at risk, who will?